Judge to hear Seattle arena complaint

Case could block arena plan needed in Kings’ deal

A judge in Seattle will hear arguments Friday into an environmental claim that could put the breaks on the development of an arena.

Investors have already entered into an agreement to purchase the Sacramento Kings, but a new arena would be needed to help the NBA Board of Governors to approve a sale and move to the Emerald City.

A King County Superior Court judge will hear the case brought forward by Seattle’s longshoremen’s union, which claims the arena financing agreement between the local government and a potential ownership group violates the state’s environmental law.

Longshoremen also say they fear they could lose thousands of maritime and industrial jobs if an arena and entertainment district was built in the port area.

The Maloof family, which owns the Sacramento Kings, reached an agreement to sell a 65 percent controlling interest in the Kings to a Seattle group led by Chris Hansen.Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson is expected to announce his own counter bid that includes investors willing to buy the team and build an arena downtown.

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